Big Talk From Small Libraries: Manor Ink: Library-based, Youth-led News
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Presented by Peggy Johansen, Director, Livingston Manor Free Library (NY) on February 28, 2013 as part of the Big Talk From Small Libraries Conference. http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/bigtalk
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Big Talk From Small Libraries: Manor Ink: Library-based, Youth-led News
- 3. We collaborate www.rcls.org/liv http://reportingalliance.org/
- 4. We’re online, in social media and in print
- 5. We teach news gathering and presentation skills
- 6. • Our community newspaper was shut down in the poor economy of 2009 • The high school newspaper was shut down at about the same time for the same reason: economics We set out to fill a gap
- 7. It began with long-range planning. During that process, Jamie Helper, mother of 3 and a frequent library visitor, stated…. Our story, in brief
- 8. “We need a town newspaper.. . Why not start a community-wide newspaper led by teens, run from the library?” Our story, in brief
- 9. We said, “Yes.” Our story, in brief
- 10. • Barbara Gref, of the Community Reporting Alliance, came on board immediately and made contact with Carolyn Bivins, publisher of the former Towne Crier. First the niche, then the knowledge
- 12. Before we were in print, we had a website, create d by the staff. Simple and to the point at a cost of $40. Manorink.com
- 14. August edition hits the street Then, Manor Ink print edition
- 15. Manor Ink at high school graduation We’ve covered triumph
- 18. We’re serious
- 19. …and silly
- 20. Our mentors make it happen
- 21. • More than 20 community businesses advertise regularly. • Many people donate. • Even more people buy papers at our distribution sites on Main Street and beyond. We’re supported by grants, advertising, fundraisers and donations
- 22. Manor Ink interview with Maria Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbL7V63aiUw Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9MWebyL2E4 Kelly’s interview with Maria
- 23. Manor Ink • has empowered its young staff to find and use their • has shown us that local news production voices is an important part of the “glue” of a community We’ve come pretty far
- 24. Thank you manorink@yahoo.com
Editor's Notes
- Good Afternoon, my name is Peggy Johansen. I am the director of the Livingston Manor Free Library in Livingston Manor, NY. Our library serves a district of 2,700 people. We generally have 2 staff members on in our 3-room library, located in the southern part of the beautiful Catskill Mountains, about 2 ½ hours from New York City. I am very glad to present our library-based, youth-led newspaper, Manor Ink.
- I am going to let our editors introduce themselves.
- The paper is a collaborative effort among the library, The Community Reporting Alliance (a regionally based non-profit whose mission is to support local news media), and the residents and businesses of our area who have enthusiastically supported this project
- Here Gem and Tyler are interviewing the head of admissions of Sullivan County Community College.
- In the process of developing the library’s Long Range Plan in 2011, our Visioning Committee invited residents to discuss how they would like to see the library interface with the community. During that process….
- Jamie felt that the young people in our community needed extra-curricular activities, outside of the school, that would provide them with skills for future employment
- The idea was embraced by the committee and written into the Long Range Plan. Work began on it last winter.
- They provided the knowledge needed to run a paper.
- Promotional flyers were put out in town and in the school to attract kids. It began with about 8 young teens and they helped spread the word. Soon we were getting 12 to 15 kids at each meeting! …….This flyer is one we actually used after we had printed a few issues, as you can see by the cover photos.
- We used Weebly.com to make the website.
- We upgraded to Weebly Pro and here is a screen shot of the website today.
- Our first print edition came out last June. This photo was taken when we distributed our third issue in August.
- Unfortunately both of these photos were taken within a block of the library over the past year. Following both flood and fire, the community realized the value of a local newspaper, and the kids involved with reporting and photographing these stories came to comprehend these tragedies on an adult level.
- In our first issue we did a story called “Imagine Manor” in which kids interviewed other kids and adults about what they would like to see in our town. Now they are delving into that concept with stories on the community’s process of envisioning a new future through formal planning workshops.
- Staff members cover Town and School Board Meetings. Brandon serves as a liaison with the Library Board. John’s mother reports that his English grades have improved considerably since he’s been involved with Manor Ink and we can see the evidence in his writing.
- But the kids also compile the Fun Page of Happiness for each issue… with puzzles, drawings, song lyrics and reviews of books and movies.
- At each meeting, we have between 3 and 5 adult mentors. Mentors encourage, nudge, suggest, proof and help in many other ways. As the librarian, I attend each weekly meeting, though I’m often running out to take care of library business. I work closely with individuals on stories, oversee bookkeeping, provide library resources, submit library press releases and calendar listings to the editors, and coordinate activities as needed.
- How does this happen financially? (read screen)Business-card size ads cost $20.00… We have obtained some grants and used those funds to purchase a camera, a movie screen for collaborative design work, software, and as of recently, staff stipends and mileage reimbursement for mentors.
- Kelly was a new member when I handed her the camera and said let’s go downtown and interview Maria! You will probably notice the audio and video timing don’t match in this format, so I apologize for that.
- and has been a vehicle to highlight library services
- The staff and I would be glad to answer any questions you may have. Please send them to manorink@yahoo.com. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the next edition, please include your mailing address. Thank you.